Planning your trip to the United States should feel exciting, not confusing.
If you have questions about USA travel requirements, we have answers.
Use the topics below to get clear answers, check official sources and better understand what to expect at each step of your journey, so you can feel informed, prepared and ready to start planning with confidence.
Common Misperceptions
- International visitors are welcome in the United States. Millions of travelers visit the United States each year for vacations, business, family visits, major events, and experiences they can only have here. Before you travel, check the documents you need and review official guidance so that you feel ready for your trip.
Before you go: For your next trip, check whether you need a visa or ESTA, and review entry information before you depart here. - A proposed Visa Integrity Fee is not currently being collected.
Some travelers may be eligible to visit the United States through the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA. Others may need to apply for a visitor visa. Fees can depend on your visa type, nationality, and where you apply, so always check official United States government sources before paying any fee.
Before you go: Confirm which travel authorization you need and what fees apply here. - The ESTA application does not require access to your social media activity. Applicants may voluntarily provide social media identifiers or handles, but passwords, private messages, and full account access are not required. Apply only through the official ESTA website and review all application questions carefully.
Before you go: For guidance on applying for and submitting your ESTA application, visit the official ESTA website here. - Visa wait times vary by location and can change, but many travelers successfully plan trips to the United States every year. In fact, the U.S. Department of State issued more than 11 million visas last year, and there are more travel-ready U.S. visa holders worldwide than ever before. To plan ahead, check appointment availability early and follow guidance from the U.S. embassy or consulate where you intend to apply. Current visa wait time information is available online, and new appointments may be added regularly.
Before you go: Check current visa wait times through the United States embassy or consulate where you plan to apply. You can find more information about visas here. - International travelers go through standard arrival steps when entering the United States, including passport review, questions about your trip and customs processing. For most travelers, the process is routine, and United States Customs and Border Protection uses technology to make arrival and departure more efficient at many airports. It is exceptionally rare for travelers to be referred for additional review. Knowing what to expect, having your documents ready and reviewing arrival guidance before you travel can help make the process feel more straightforward.
Before you go: Review arrival guidance and keep your passport, visa or ESTA, trip details, and accommodation information easy to access. Learn more about arrival in the United States here. - Most National Park Service sites and other public lands do not charge entrance fees. A $100 nonresident fee is now being collected at 11 of the most visited National Parks. Check the park you plan to visit before you go so you know what to expect.
Before you go: Check entrance fees and pass options for the specific park you plan to visit here.
For more general questions about visa eligibility, the application process, and entry requirements, please visit our Visa & Entry page.
